take the picture he wanted.

"The wind blew at first, and the treetop rocked so that it almost made
me sea-sick," he went on to say, with a sigh; "but after an hour or so
this let up. Then came one of the ospreys with a big fish in its
claws, and I began to get busy. I snapped off every bit of the film as
I saw fine group pictures come up; and I do hope they all turn out
well."

As he had a daylight developing tank with him he wasted little time in
ascertaining this fact. His exuberant shouts announced later on that
his success was all the heart of any ambitious amateur photographer
could wish for. And indeed, when the exposed films were passed around
after they had sufficiently dried it was seen that Will had done
himself justice, for they were perfectly clear.

Frank himself could easily understand just how this fad was able to
grip any one who took it up. He believed that it was much more
interesting and profitable than hunting with a gun. In the one case
all the result consisted of game that was soon eaten and forgotten;
but those instructive pictures of timid animals and wild birds would
give pleasure for an unlimited time.

"There's one thing I think we ought to get busy about, fellows," Frank
remarked that evening as they sat around the rough table enjoying the
supper Jerry had prepared; "and that is see what can be done about
laying in a fresh stock of butter and eggs."

"Our supply of both is about down to the limit, for a fact," admitted
Bluff, who was unusually fond of eggs, "fried, boiled, scrambled, and,
in fact, any old way," as he himself always declared.

"Have you any plan by which we can get a new lot, and perhaps some
fresh milk in the bargain?" Will sought to learn.

"So far as we know, there's only one house within several miles of
this place," explained Frank, "and that belongs to the man they call a
hermit because he keeps to himself, and never goes to town--Aaron
Dennison."

"A likely chance we'd have of getting any supplies from him, I should
say!" grumbled Jerry; but Bluff was quick to make a proposal.

"If you are thinking of going up that creek, and paying a visit to
Aaron, I hope you will choose me to go along. Remember, I spoke
first!" he called out.

Will looked disappointed. He had hoped that if ever they decided to
call on the crabbed owner of the Dennison estate he might be along
with his camera. And seeing this disappointed expression cross his
face, Frank easily understo